Michael Hayes

Michael specialises in financial cases following the breakdown of a relationship, including high net value cases and cases with an international element. He also acts in applications to vary maintenance orders, for financial provision for children (Schedule 1 claims) and in family provision claims. He drafts and advises on nuptial agreements.

Michael is experienced at dealing with cases concerning business assets and companies, pensions, trusts and overseas assets. He is also regularly instructed in cases involving allegations of non-disclosure of assets, misconduct by company directors, misappropriation of funds, and enforcement of orders.

As a solicitor Michael was accredited by the SRA under the Family Law Accreditation Scheme, and also by ‘Resolution’ in the areas of Advanced Financial Provision and Co-habitation. 

Michael has a thriving practice in private law children work where he has extensive experience of dealing with all types of issues relating to contact and residence including cases of alleged parental alienation, allegations of domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse and fact finding hearings.

In court, Michael is a strong advocate for his clients but his expertise in collaborative law and mediation means that he is also confident in promoting a consensual way forward where appropriate.

Michael is also able to advise on the financial aspects of private children law cases, including applications for financial provision (Schedule 1 Children Act).

Michael acts in a significant number of cases with an international dimension. In both financial and children cases, he has experience of dealing with jurisdiction disputes. In financial disputes, he is regularly instructed in claims under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 after a foreign divorce. He is also able to advise on how to deal with assets held abroad.

In proceedings involving children, he advises on applications to remove children from the jurisdiction, and on adoption proceedings which involve children moving in or out of the UK.

Michael is experienced at dealing with co-habitation disputes and property disputes between unmarried couples under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1990. He is very familiar with the law relating to trusts, and is able to provide a full service to unmarried clients who are separating and having to deal with property and children issues.

Michael has been instructed to act on behalf of intervenors asserting a beneficial interest in property and on behalf of trustees of assets. His analytical approach is particularly useful when dealing with this type of complex and specialist litigation.

Michael appreciates the value of settling difficult and contentious litigation out of court where possible and is able to advise and represent clients in most types of alternative dispute resolution. His involvement with separating families over many years means that is able to offer creative but practical solutions to resolve conflicts in the best way for his clients.

Michael is an experienced mediation advocate, and is also qualified in Collaborative Law – a process used by separating couples to reach legally binding settlements without the need for court proceedings.

Michael is a qualified family law Arbitrator, and accepts instructions both to arbitrate family disputes relating to finances, and to represent clients in the arbitration process.

Michael’s thorough knowledge of the law and procedure relating to all aspects of family law mean that he is an excellent choice for injunction applications. He provides clear and practical advice, and is able to assimilate the facts quickly in order to effectively represent his clients.

Michael is instructed in injunction proceedings where there are allegations of domestic abuse. In respect of his financial work, he advises on injunctions to prevent dealings and/or disposals of assets in the UK and overseas.

To instruct Michael please contact Jay Dorton or Stephen Bush.